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What's Replacing The Home Office

If you're thinking about getting rid of your home office, or you're trying to decide between a home office and creating another type of space in a new home, you have options. Use this guide to learn more about what's replacing the home office.

1. Family Rooms

Spending time with your family should be important. Even if your kids are on their phones and everybody wants to watch something different on TV, quality time matters. To create the perfect family room, all you need is comfortable seating, a table for games, a TV and maybe a bookshelf.

2. Home Theaters

Movie aficionados know that the living room is fine for watching movies, but if you want the real experience, a dedicated space is ideal. You may not be able to fit a multiplex-size screen in your room, but that doesn't mean you can't have a home theater of your own. Focus on a high-quality TV, comfortable seating and multiple ways to watch your favorite movies, from Blu-Ray to streaming services. A pair of top-quality stereo speakers or a surround system will also help you enjoy your at-home cinema experience too.

3. Arts and Crafts Spaces

Whether you're working on life-size sculpture pieces, painting with oils or just trying to find a place for the kids to work on craft projects, having a dedicated space can be perfect for the creative family. You'll also be able to tailor the room to its purpose, which will make it more functional and easier to handle than a makeshift setup.

Easy-to-clean surfaces, old furniture from the garage and a coat of eggshell or semi-gloss paint can make cleanup a breeze. A dedicated arts and crafts space can also provide you with an area to do things like wrap gifts for birthdays and events.

4. Libraries

Digital books might be increasingly common these days, but for lovers of the tried-and-true paper versions, nothing beats a home library. Giving up your office space can help you turn an extra room into a reader's paradise.

Floor-to-ceiling shelving will work wonders for storage. Built-in options are also ideal if you don't want to commit to a long-term solution. Make sure you've got plenty of comfortable seating, floor lamps, task lights and a cozy blanket or two as well.

5. Guest Rooms

Overnight guests can easily overstay their welcome. But having to drive friends and family to a hotel nearby isn't always ideal. For a multipurpose space, you can even consider a pull-out sofa or Murphy bed on the wall. You'll still have room for your family area, theater setup, crafts space or library if you make a sleeping area part of the regular décor.

Conclusion

Take the time to decide what's right for your home, family and work needs before making a decision. Remodeling or redesigning can be a costly, time-consuming.

Andrea Davis is the editor for HomeAdvisor, which helps homeowners find home improvement professionals in their area at no charge to ensure the best service in the shortest amount of time.